Brussels Edition

EU-Australia Trade Deal Is a Rebuke to Donald Trump

The bloc has struck a comprehensive commercial deal with Australia in the latest snub to the US president and his “America First” agenda.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, left, and Anthony Albanese, Australia’s prime minister, pose for photos at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.Photographer: Hilary Wardhaugh/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By John Ainger

March 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC

Welcome to the Brussels Edition. I’m John Ainger, Bloomberg climate and energy reporter, bringing you the latest from the EU. Make sure you’re signed up.

After nearly a decade of talks, and weeks of last-ditch wrangling, the EU has struck a comprehensive trade deal with Australia in another show of defiance to Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.